Trump's Military Actions and Controversies Surrounding Defense Operations

U.S. Southern Command confirmed that a lethal kinetic strike was executed on December 4, 2025, targeting a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, which killed four individuals. This action was ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and reportedly marks the 22nd military strike against alleged drug-trafficking boats in recent months, resulting in at least 86 fatalities.

The Pentagon asserts that these strikes are conducted on vessels confirmed to be involved in drug trafficking, yet no evidence has been publicly provided to support these claims. Controversy arose following a September 2 strike that allegedly killed survivors of an earlier attack.

Military officials indicated they viewed these individuals as legitimate targets based on their presumed intent to recover narcotics. However, video evidence presented to lawmakers revealed two survivors struggling to remain afloat after the initial strike.

The second strike, which followed, raised serious ethical questions, with some lawmakers suggesting it could amount to a war crime. Meanwhile, Secretary Hegseth faces scrutiny for sharing sensitive military information in a private Signal group chat, violating Defense Department policies and potentially compromising operational security.

A Pentagon inspector general report criticized Hegseth for using his personal device for official communications without proper declassification processes, which could endanger U.S. service members. Hegseth claimed a total exoneration from the investigation, while critics, including top Democrats, have called for his resignation, citing a pattern of reckless behavior.